Los Angeles, California, USA – April 16, 2026 – BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing has officially welcomed two highly promising talents from the world of traditional boxing: Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-1, 15 KOs) and Amado Vargas (13-0, 6 KOs). The brothers, both at their physical peak, are making a much-anticipated transition to bare knuckle fighting under a multi-fight agreement.
Mike Vazquez, the founder of BKB Bare Knuckle, expressed his excitement about the organization’s recent growth, stating, “BKB has experienced immense growth over the past twelve months, attracting numerous combat sports legends. We are now seeing undefeated prospects with world title potential in gloved boxing transitioning to bare knuckle in their prime, and this trend is only set to continue. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the Vargas brothers compete in the ring.”
David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Bare Knuckle, emphasized the significance of these signings: “The addition of both Fernando Jr. and Amado is a major boost to our roster. These are two athletes at their physical prime, driven by ambition, who view BKB as the ideal platform to achieve their goals. BKB is on a path to mainstream success, and the Vargas brothers will be instrumental in driving us forward.”
Inheriting a championship legacy from their father, two-time light middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, the brothers bring proven elite talent and a fierce determination to bare knuckle boxing. Fernando Jr. has demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming significant personal challenges to build a professional record of 17 wins, including 15 knockouts, and an early career 11-fight knockout streak. Amado, known for his aggressive, high-pressure fighting style, has steadily progressed through challenging competition, securing multiple early finishes. Alongside their younger brother Emiliano, they represent the formidable Vargas Dynasty and are poised to become the faces of bare knuckle boxing for years to come.
These landmark signings highlight BKB’s surging momentum, as the promotion continues to attract accomplished boxers to its high-stakes, action-packed events. Recently, BKB has welcomed notable figures such as Olympic gold medalist and former multi-weight world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, and former world champions Lee Selby and Victor Ortiz to the bare knuckle ranks, with their debut dates to be announced soon. Meanwhile, trailblazer Paulie Malignaggi is set to challenge reigning champion Rolando Dy for the BKB Welterweight World Title on May 16th in Manchester, following a successful debut.
Fernando Vargas Jr., nicknamed “El Feroz” in honor of his father, is a formidable finisher with world-class pedigree. The 29-year-old super welterweight, who turned professional at 24 after overcoming significant personal adversity, including a period of incarceration where he trained using his prison mattress, made an explosive start to his career. He secured his first 11 professional wins by knockout, boasting an impressive 88% finishing rate. His sole defeat came in a competitive decision against rising star Callum Walsh on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford pay-per-view card in September 2025. A dedicated and disciplined athlete, Vargas Jr. has revitalized his career through sheer grit and hunger, solidifying his position among the sport’s elite.
Amado Vargas, the 25-year-old middle brother, is an aggressive pressure fighter recognized for his relentless pace, sharp combinations, and punishing body attacks. With a strong amateur background, including a No. 5 national ranking in the 114-pound class with Team USA, Amado turned professional in early 2021 and has consistently faced tougher opposition. He has achieved early knockouts in three of his last five fights, with notable victories against Sean Garcia (brother of WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia) in July 2024 and Nurideen “Deen The Great” Shabazz at Misfits Mania in December 2025. Like his brothers, Amado trains within the close-knit Vargas Dynasty unit and maintains a clean, disciplined lifestyle.
The Vargas brothers were previously featured in the 2014 reality docuseries “Welcome to Los Vargas,” which highlighted their “Dynasty” concept. They maintain a strong social media presence and are also involved in acting, modeling, and entrepreneurship. In 2024, they served as special guests at the 92nd annual Hollywood Christmas Parade on The CW Network, an event benefiting Marine Toys for Tots.
Their decision to join BKB is fueled by the promotion’s rapid expansion, high-quality production, and the raw intensity of bare knuckle fighting. The brothers see BKB as the ideal platform to compete together as a united family and build upon their legacy in the most fundamental form of combat sports.
Fernando Vargas Jr. stated, “My brothers and I are in our prime, and we believe BKB represents the future of combat sports. I am bringing the same ferocious knockout power that earned me the nickname ‘El Feroz’—the kind of finishing instinct that can make me a world champion here, just as my father was. This is our opportunity to step up, challenge the legends making the transition, and forge our own legacy as bare knuckle icons.”
Amado Vargas added, “We are in our prime and ready to make our mark as pioneers in bare knuckle boxing. My style is characterized by non-stop pressure, sharp combinations, and body work that breaks opponents down. BKB provides us with the perfect platform to follow in our dad’s footsteps, face the big names crossing over, and achieve world renown as champions together as the Vargas Dynasty.”
The Vargas brothers join an elite and rapidly growing roster of over 200 fighters from more than 30 countries, underscoring BKB’s appeal to the next generation of boxing talent seeking the ultimate challenge in the most primal combat sport. More significant announcements are expected as BKB continues its meteoric rise.
Originating in 2015 as BYB Extreme Fighting Series, founded by MMA pioneer Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris and Mike Vazquez, BKB has transformed bare knuckle boxing into a regulated, globally broadcast powerhouse. This transformation has been achieved through strategic acquisitions, including the original UK-based BKB in 2024 and Bad To The Bone in 2025, and a fighter-centric philosophy that prioritizes athlete welfare and opportunity. Landmark broadcast partnerships with talkSPORT (UK and Ireland), VICE (US and Canada), and Telemundo (Spanish-language in the US) have brought live events to millions of viewers worldwide.
